Environmental Science – Major

Environmental science is an exciting field that combines the natural sciences of biology, chemistry, geology, and mathematics with the social science fields of economics, sociology, and law. This broad major involves the study of the effects of industrialization and other manmade disturbances, both past and present. There continues to be a need for individuals who want to attain and maintain a clean and healthy environment through the 21st century. Environmental scientists work in a field that is becoming increasingly technical and requires that students understand the application of scientific and social principles to environmental issues.

The degree in environmental science will prepare students, through an interdisciplinary approach, for entry-level positions in private industry and in governmental agencies where problems dealing with environmental issues are addressed. Graduates of the program will also be well prepared to pursue further academic training in environmental health, environmental law, environmental management, and ecological and environmental sciences.

The environmental science curriculum is designed to give students a strong scientific background with a foundation in humanities and social sciences. Students are encouraged to participate in independent study and/or directed research. In addition, all students are expected to have an environment-related summer internship or job before their fourth year in the program.

Environmental Science Degree Requirements

To qualify for the degree of bachelor of science in environmental science, a minimum of 127 credit hours of approved courses is required, of which at least 50 credit hours must represent courses in the biological sciences. At the 200 level and above, only those credits for which a student has earned a grade of “C-” or better will count toward the minimum biology credits required for graduation.

Credit hours earned in a course of a biological nature given by a department other than the Department of Biological Sciences may only be used to meet the minimum credits required to qualify for a bachelor of science in environmental science with the written approval of the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

In order to earn a degree from Misher College of Arts and Sciences, a student must complete thirty (30) in-residence credits at a University campus. Fifteen (15) of the thirty in-residence credits must be at the 300 level or higher. In-residence credits are defined as credits for courses offered by the University for which a student receives credit and a grade that can contribute to the student’s calculated grade point average.

Choose from any additional courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.

Additional Curricular Requirements

Natural Science Elective - Students must pass 300-level or higher natural science course (designated BS, CH, PY, BI, or GL). Courses considered to be Seminar, Independent Study, Internship, or Directed Research cannot be used for this elective.